How to Wire a GFCI Circuit

Application: Wiring a GFCI Circuit Breaker.
Skill Level: Advanced – Best performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor.
Tools Required: Electricians pouch of hand tools, voltage tester and protective safety gear.
Estimated Time: Depends on the make and model of the panel and the condition of the existing electrical circuit breakers and wiring methods.
Precaution: For safety the main circuit breaker should be turned off or any other disconnect means that would deenergize the panel before replacing a circuit breaker, however turning off the main circuit breaker may not deenergize all of the areas of the panel components and wiring. This is an extensive project that requires experience and should be performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor.
Notice: Making changes to electrical panel or electric circuits should be done according to local and national electrical codes with a permit and be inspected.

GFCI Circuit Protection

GFCI Breaker Location: The location of the GFCI circuit breaker does not affect the operation.

Identify the Equipment Requirements: The specifications for the electrical equipment that requires a GFCI Circuit breaker and the specific GFCI protection should be identified as indicated in the equipment installation manual.

The Electrical Circuit Wiring: Install the necessary electrical circuit wiring as required for the proper operation of the GFCI Protection.

GFCI Example: Most spas and hot tubs require a 4-wire GFCI circuit where a separate neutral wire is required.

INSTRUCTIONS

If you are providing 240 volt power to an agricultural pump that does not require GFCI protection or a separate neutral then you just need to install a regular 2-pole 240 volt circuit breaker.

Make sure to install the wiring as required for the specific motor size and a properly sized and bonded ground wire.

GFCI Wiring

For more information about Circuit BreakerCircuit BreakerCircuit Breaker
A guide to home electrical circuit breakers and how they work to protect your electrical wiring. When properly installed, your home electrical wiring is protected by a circuit protection device.

I am installing a 2 pole GFCI circuit breaker for heat trace that does not require a neutral conductor. Can I just disconnect the neutral conductor that connects to the neutral bus from the breaker and still have proper operation?

Mike,
The neutral wire from the GFCI circuit breaker must be terminated to either the neutral bar or the ground bar, which is the same at the main panel. The neutral wire of the GFCI breaker helps the GFCI sense if there is a problem, and removing the wire will prevent the GFCI from working properly and the GFCI TEST Button will likely not work either. Most GFCI breakers come with instructions for alternate wiring, which should instruct you to terminate the neutral wire where the ground wire of the circuit will be terminated.
Dave

Hi, I’m trying to replace a three prong outlet with a GFI as required when selling a home. This outlet is in the laundry room. It has a white and black and a green ground but also has a red wire with the connection between the blacks cut. The red is connected on the same side as the black. How do I connect a new GFI outlet.
Thank you

Hi, I have an Intermatic Electrical Panel with the C/B’s in my house, however, for the AC compressor I have a two pole GE-THQL2150 C/B my question is if can replaced the existing C/B with a New type like the GE-THQL2150GF-1 that is commonly used in Hot Bath tubs and has a surge protection installed within.